This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7136842.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Awards for terror attack bravery Awards for terror attack bravery
(1 day later)
The first firefighters to tackle the Glasgow Airport terror attack will be recognised at an awards ceremony. The first firefighters to tackle the terror attack on Glasgow Airport have been honoured for their bravery at a special ceremony.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's Chief Officer Brian Sweeney will present commendations to the first three crews that attended the incident on 30 June. The three crews tackled a blazing jeep which rammed into a packed terminal building on 30 June.
A total of 15 firefighters are getting awards on Tuesday in recognition of their extremely "brave actions". Ten of the 15 firefighters involved, from Paisley and Renfrew fire stations, were presented with the Chief Officer's Commendation for their courage.
Two crews from Paisley Fire Station and one from Renfrew Fire Station were the first on the scene. They were all said to be "cringingly embarrassed" at the award.
Mr Sweeney said: "The prompt and positive actions of the initial crews played a decisive part in ensuring that the terminal building was saved from severe fire damage. Brian Sweeney, chief officer of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, handed out the awards at the ceremony in Renfrew Fire Station.
"The commendations also recognise the outstanding part played by all the firefighters at the incident and also the control operators and other Strathclyde Fire and Rescue staff who also contributed to our successful handling of the incident." The other five officers being recognised were not able to make the occasion.
They understood the danger, yet they still put themselves in harm's way Brian SweeneyStrathclyde Fire and Rescue
The award citation described how they all quickly realised the incident could be a terrorist attack and within minutes of arriving were able to get water jets on what appeared to be burning gas cylinders inside the jeep and the developing blaze at the front of the terminal.
Their prompt action also helped save the terminal building from severe damage and allowed it to open within 24-hours of the incident, the citation said.
It went on: "The prompt and professional actions of the initial crews attending this fire played a decisive part in the positive development of the incident and to its ultimate successful conclusion.
"Whilst it was established almost immediately on arrival that this was indeed a terrorist incident with all the attendant uncertainty of further attacks or secondary devices being deployed against them, firefighters carried out their duties in an exemplary and courageous manner.
"Their decisive actions without doubt saved the terminal building from not only more severe fire damage on the day, but assisted greatly in the speedy and successful return to normal operations at the airport."
'Special nature'
The citation added that the firefighters' actions were worthy of the "highest praise and merit".
Mr Sweeney said this was the first time in four years that such an award had been given out by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.
He told the audience of firefighters, family, friends and local dignitaries that the men's actions exemplified all that was best about Scotland.
The fire chief said: "It was the day that terrorism arrived in Glasgow and at Glasgow Airport in particular.
"It was also the day that showed off Scotland at its best and everything about the special nature of the people of Scotland.
"No one more exemplified that than the firefighters of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue."
Mr Sweeney added: "There was pretty much no doubt about what they had in front of them that day, no doubt about the danger they faced.
"They understood the danger, yet they still put themselves in harm's way.
"I am really, really proud of you."
Mr Sweeney said the officers being decorated were all "cringingly embarrassed" for their award but he said their actions deserved recognition.